Re: Does gluten sensitivity in the absence of coeliac disease exist?
Some years ago, suffering increasing gastro-intestinal symptoms, it was suggested that I try a gluten-free diet. Symptoms rapidly disappeared. Investigations for coeliac disease seemed sensible and were performed.
After which, I saw the gastroenterologist. With a smile on his face, he told me I was fine, I didn't have coeliac disease. I found this very upsetting. While glad not to have coeliac, being told I was fine felt like a denial of my symptoms, as if the NHS was washing its hands of me.
We train our doctors in how to break bad news, but perhaps we need to train them in how to break good news. With non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and in other situations, ruling out a serious condition is good news, but not the end of the story.
Rapid Response:
Re: Does gluten sensitivity in the absence of coeliac disease exist?
Some years ago, suffering increasing gastro-intestinal symptoms, it was suggested that I try a gluten-free diet. Symptoms rapidly disappeared. Investigations for coeliac disease seemed sensible and were performed.
After which, I saw the gastroenterologist. With a smile on his face, he told me I was fine, I didn't have coeliac disease. I found this very upsetting. While glad not to have coeliac, being told I was fine felt like a denial of my symptoms, as if the NHS was washing its hands of me.
We train our doctors in how to break bad news, but perhaps we need to train them in how to break good news. With non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and in other situations, ruling out a serious condition is good news, but not the end of the story.
Competing interests: No competing interests